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For a short time, Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) was able to forget about various crises and criticisms and devote himself to global issues – far away from mirror-smooth ice surfaces and the road salt debate. He invited the newly accredited ambassadors to a reception at the Red City Hall on Friday. Nearly thirty excellencies accepted the invitation. Although none of the ambassadors slipped on the icy roads on their way there, they felt safer on the parquet floor of the Säulensaal.

In his welcome address, Wegner emphasized that Berlin stands for freedom, cosmopolitanism and democracy as well as for international cooperation between people from all over the world. Against this background, the exchange with diplomats is all the more important.

Of the 159 diplomatic missions in the city, 30 to 40 new ambassadors are appointed every year. After their appointment, the governing mayor invites the heads of mission to a reception to get to know them personally.

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